Illuminated Chamber Status Indicator

ABSTRACT

A self-illuminated chamber status indictor, or simply illuminated chamber status indicator. The illuminated chamber status indicator makes use of self-illuminating substances. The substances and/or materials could be in the form of radioactive gaseous isotopes, or self-illuminating paint. The illuminated chamber status indicator will leverage in any form of current self-illumination technologies that require no external power source in order to give off light emissions. The illuminated chamber status indicator will use the properties of radioluminescence as a primary, but not exclusive source to create such attributes.

This United States Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/396,431, filed Feb. 14, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,785, issued Jun. 30, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/443,060, filed Feb. 15, 2011, and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to firearms; handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and to the assemblies and sub-assemblies that comprise them as a whole, specifically the mechanism(s) in them which work in the capacity as a chamber status indicator. A chamber status indicator is also referred to in the firearms industry as, a chamber loaded indicator, in this document the terminology will be used interchangeably, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, a chamber status indicator is most often claimed to be solely belonging to the semi-automatic handgun class of firearms. The present invention can, and has intent to be applied to all types and all classes of firearms.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A chamber loaded indicator is a device that indicates the presence of a cartridge in the chamber of a firearm. The status of a firearm, whereby the operational definition of status specifically relates to the state of the weapon being, loaded or unloaded is of great importance to the firearm operator. It is of utmost importance to the person(s) whose duty it is to carry a firearm on their person in the scope of their job. Military and law enforcement personnel are two specific examples of these types of individuals. The risk of not immediately knowing the status of the weapon can be lethal for the aforementioned groups, as combat readiness is a requisite of their job responsibilities. Moreover, within the course of these duties taking place irrespective of time of day; it is required that steps taken during daylight hours to verify the status of the weapon are repeatable where low-light to zero-light conditions exist. Instantaneous weapon status checks become of paramount importance for firearms operators when deployed into war, where split seconds can determine life or death for them.

To date there have been various attempts to provide weapon status indicators, specifically in the form of, “chamber loaded indicators.” While all the current chamber loaded indicators available on all different models of firearms attempt to fulfill their intended purpose; none of them were designed from inception to, nor allow for, the same visual confirmation steps taken in lighted conditions to be taken in low-light to zero-light conditions without the use of an external light source.

This has been the case primarily because all previously designed chamber loaded indicators were intended for use in the civilian market, where instantaneous visual weapon status confirmation in either day or night is not life-threatening, nor is needed. Unfortunately, the hours of operation for war or policing activities do not only take place between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or solely located on a shooting range.

Currently, all other chamber loaded indicators rely on visual confirmation during lighted conditions, as well as providing a secondary status check capability in the form of tactile confirmation. However, as is most often the case both military and law enforcement personnel wear gloves within the scope of their work. This further limits the ability of all other chamber loaded indicators to fulfill their intended purpose.

It is the case with all other chamber loaded indicators, which claim a tactile form of weapon status confirmation as a secondary attribute, that the position of the chamber loaded indicator mechanism itself to signal a state of loaded or unloaded is barely discernable with the naked hand. Therefore, this claimed tactile confirmation by all other chamber loaded indicators is nearly impossible for those that do or must wear hand protection in the course of their work.

This barely discernable tactile confirmation by all other chamber loaded indicators is quite common in all current existing designs. It is the case for firearms such as Springfield Armory's XD handgun including the XDm models, the difference in degrees by which the chamber loaded indicator protrudes in loaded or unloaded state is minor, and is not quickly ascertainable either visually or tactilely. It is also the case for firearms manufacturer Beretta, their 92 series and the like. Firearms manufacturer Taurus who clones other manufacturers designs, not surprisingly exhibits this characteristic in their clones of Beretta's 92 series, and the like.

Firearms manufacturer Glock makes claims of their firearms being equipped with chamber loaded indicator devices. However, their chamber loaded indicator devices on all of their models are extremely difficult to confirm visually even in lighted conditions and would be virtually impossible to confirm if the operator's hands were covered with gloves.

All firearms manufacturers make it a key and primary claim that the main reason for their chamber loaded indicator is safety. The present invention considers one of its primary claims to be improved chamber loaded indicator creation as being one of increased versatility, specifically tactical practicality, with increased safety being a welcome secondary by-product.

Glock in fact added a chamber loaded indicator to their line of handguns seemingly as an afterthought, and only starting with the 3^(rd) generation of the same product line. Actually due to U.S. firearms importation laws, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms point system, and importation eligibility requirements probably had more to do with Glock adding a chamber loaded indicator to their firearms than did safety reasons.

Examining the Glock chamber loaded indicator, which is actually added-on to the extractor component in all their handguns reveals what seems to be more of a fortuitous coincidence of manufacturing angles that allowed this quick and workable add-on than purpose driven engineering.

There is a need in the art for the uniformity of both universal functionality and safety. Changing environmental conditions should not detrimentally impact the operational usability and safety of firearms as is currently the case. The present invention seeks to add an additional factor in helping to preserve the uniformity of both universal functionality and safety in a constantly changing environment.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is the creation of a self-illuminated chamber status indicator, or simply illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI). The invention can and will leverage current illumination technologies that require no external power source in order to give off light emissions. The invention will look to use the properties of radioluminescence as a primary, but not exclusive source to create such attributes.

The invention can utilize radioluminescence technology. As a primary example it can employ the use of gaseous tritium light sources (GTLS), which is one type of radioluminescent material, the key ingredient being tritium as opposed to radium for example or another radioluminescent material, although of lesser light emitting qualities.

The use of GTLS is currently an established standard for radioluminescence technology in the firearms industry as it has been used for over two decades with proven superior functionality for its intended use. To date, the only currently known use of tritium in firearms components, assemblies, subassemblies, mechanism(s), and the like are its integration into firearms sights. The sights on any firearm contain a pair, both the front and the rear sight. These sights can contain tritium vials that are embedded into either or both sights.

The benefits of using tritium as a primary source of radioluminescent material directly relates back to the objective of this invention.

Gaseous tritium light sources are:

-   -   Self-Illuminated;     -   Available in extremely tiny glass vials hermetically sealed,         making them versatile as an embeddable component into an         existing firearms assembly or mechanism such as a chamber loaded         indicator, creating the new object, an ICSI;     -   Coated on the inside of the vial with phosphorescent material,         which is available in different colors depending on preference         and desired brightness level;     -   Filled with only trace amounts of tritium gas, making them         virtually harmless;     -   Emitting electrons that activate the phosphorescent material         permanently, without the need of external power, or even a         charging catalyst;     -   Capable of having a life-span of at least 10 years, before the         need to replace.

This invention provides a never before conceived self-illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI) utilizing GTLS. The GTLS is embedded into a chamber status indicator component and/or mechanism(s) creating the present invention called, the Illuminated Chamber Status Indicator (ICSI). The introduction of GTLS as an embedded component to the chamber status indicator mechanism creates a self-illuminated chamber status indicator, or simply an illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI). The ICSI, allows the operator of the firearm to check the status of the weapon, loaded or unloaded, in very low light to zero light conditions. The ICSI visually signals the presence of a live round of ammunition and/or cartridge, or shell casing only in the chamber of the firearm. The ICSI accomplishes this visual confirmation of weapon status (loaded), by exposing the self-illuminated part, specifically the tritium to the firearms operator. If the weapon status is unloaded, the ICSI, specifically the light being emitted from the tritium will not be visible to the firearms operator.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cartridge of ammunition, and all internal components.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the barrel assembly, with chamber and barrel tube.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a handgun slide.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handgun extractor component.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a chamber.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top and side chamber walls of a barrel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the illuminated chamber status indicator embedded into chamber sidewalls.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the illuminated chamber status indicator with an ICSI-frame.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a chamber showing a type of installation of an ICSI into the chamber.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a chamber showing a type of installation an ICSI into the chamber.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of tritium vials being used in an ICSI-frame.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a handgun slide with a chamber loaded indicator showing a loaded condition of the chamber.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a handgun slide with an ICSI showing a chamber loaded condition.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a combination extractor-chamber loaded indicator (non-illuminated).

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ICSI integrated into an extractor-chamber loaded indicator.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ICSI technology is designed to be, and can be applied universally to all makes and models of firearms (1). This encompasses handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Although these categories of firearms fulfill very different roles as well as have different external structures, they also share much of the same design of internal components.

Categories of firearms (1) relevant to the ICSI invention include the following:

-   -   Handgun—semi-automatic, single shot, full         automatic(select-fire), and revolver;     -   Rifle—semi-automatic, bolt action single shot, full         automatic(select-fire);     -   Shotgun—pump action, semi-automatic and full automatic         (select-fire).

Cartridge based ammunition has been in popular use since the mid-1800s. Although the ICSI invention could be applied to non-modern firearms, it is the intent of the inventor to describe that which applies to modern day usage.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the modern cartridge (2) fully assembled contains the following:

-   -   a case (3) which holds within it or attaches to all of the         following:     -   a primer (4) contains impact sensitive explosive compounds;     -   a propellant (5) in powder-form, ignited by primer; and     -   a bullet (6), the projectile that is forced out the barrel by         propellant.

In each of the above categories of firearms (1), all have the following components in common: (this is not an all-inclusive list, just components having most relevance to ICSI (8)).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2:

-   -   a barrel more specifically a chamber (9) and barrel tube (10)         assembly, most commonly referred to as “the barrel”, is one         complete assembly with two distinct areas (excluding the         revolver in this statement, its barrel and chamber are         separate):         -   the chamber (9):             -   this holds/supports a complete unfired cartridge (2) of                 ammunition;             -   it can also hold the spent shell casing (3) of a fired                 cartridge (2);             -   also referred to as the “barrel extension”;         -   the barrel tube (10):             -   this is the metal tube from which the bullet (6) is                 projected.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3: a bolt (11) (“breech” or “slide”) constrains the cartridge (2) within the chamber (9), effectively encapsulating it. This allows for extreme pressure to build upon cartridge (2) ignition and the bullet (6) projects out through the barrel (10).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4, an extractor (12) which is usually attached to the bolt assembly (11) (revolvers excluded) and has a hook or claw that enables it to grab the rim (13) of the cartridge (2) when it is being loaded into the chamber (9). When the bolt (11) (breech) opens, the extractor (12) pulls and guides the fired cartridge case (3) from the chamber (9), effectively removing the spent shell casing (3) from the firearm (1) completely. There are different ways to design an extractor (12), this varies amongst firearms manufacturers. However, the purpose remains the exact same across all categories of firearms (1). The extractor (12) works as a latch using spring tension. The extractor (12) latches a hold of the rim (13) of a cartridge (2) when loading it into the chamber (9) of the barrel (10), as well as retains its hold on the rim (13) when ejecting the spent shell casing (3) from that chamber (9). Because the extractor (12) is a moving part within a bolt (11) (breech), its size, shape, and overall dimensions need to work in alignment with the overall firearm (1). Its internal dimensions must fit, specifically the claw/hook, must fit precisely to the caliber of cartridge (2) it is intended to extract. The external dimensions of the extractor (12) can have considerable more leeway. Extra material may be added to the externals of the extractor (12) and fashioned in such a way as to add an additional function to the extractor (12). This additional function can be for the extractor (12) to act as a chamber loaded indicator (14), in addition to fulfilling its primary function. As an example, the manufacturers Glock and Beretta have used this type of design, a combination extractor (12) and chamber loaded indicator (14).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5, ICSI technology could be integrated into existing firearms mechanism(s) including all components, assemblies and sub-assemblies. The following are examples of potential integration points into the firearm. This is not an all-inclusive list. It is a demonstrative list using the aforementioned components from the previous section. However, using these existing components is in fact the most direct way to apply the ICSI invention to a firearm.

The chamber (9) is a key component for application of the ICSI invention. The chamber (9) completely encapsulates the cartridge (2) of live unfired ammunition from all sides. The internal dimensions of the chamber (9) are in fact the same as that of the caliber of cartridge (2) it is intended to fire. The chamber (9) by default is constructed of thicker metal than that of the barrel tube (10), hence why it is referred to also as the barrel extension. It is a contiguous part of the barrel tube (10); however, externally its dimensions can be completely different. This difference relates back to the overall design of the firearm (1). The chamber's (9) thickness is constructed in this manner due to the excessive pressures that are exerted within and upon it during ignition of the cartridge (2). It is because the chamber walls (15) are thicker that slight external/internal modifications to the chamber walls (15) can be accomplished without adversely affecting the main function of the chamber (9). Creating these modifications to the external/internal chamber walls (15) can and (in the case of ICSI (8) integration being the reason for these modifications) will create new functionality from the chamber (9).

The cases below are not an all-inclusive list of the many ways in which the ICSI (8) invention could be applied to a firearm chamber (9). They are instead meant to be representative of the most direct way to make use of ICSI (8) technology in modern firearms (1) designs. This first example will consider and explain modifications to a handgun barrel (10), specifically the chamber (9). However, this does not exclude the same premise from being applied to that of all other chambers (9) across all categories of firearms (1) listed previously. Currently all chambers (9) of all type of firearms (1) do not have a chamber loaded indicator (14) that completely resides as part of the chamber (9) portion of the barrel (10). What is described below is to be considered an example as well as an intended construct by which to implement the ICSI (8) invention. The modification path is described below. However, newly designed barrels (10) around ICSI (8) technology is well within the reality of metal design, machining and fabrication.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6, the ICSI (8) can be machined as a moveable component that resides within the chamber top wall (16) or chamber sidewalls (17). These are the only surfaces of the chamber (9) viewable by the firearm operator, once the barrel (10) is installed in the firearm (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, ICSI (8) integration into the chamber sidewall (17) requires it to be specifically the right hand chamber sidewall (18) (chamber opening toward the operator, muzzle or open end of the barrel facing away). The right hand chamber sidewall (18) of the chamber sidewall (17) is clear from the bolt (11) (breech) or in the case of a handgun the slide, thereby allowing visual confirmation of the ICSI (8) by the firearms operator. The left-hand chamber sidewall (19) and chamber bottom wall (20) are completely covered by the left-hand chamber sidewall (19) of the slide (21) and firearm-frame (22), respectively and remain non-visible until the barrel (10), slide (21), and firearm-frame (22) are separated.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8, ICSI integration into the chamber top wall (16) of the chamber (9) requires only integration of the ICSI (8) component, irrespective of the slide (21) assembly orientation. ICSI (8) primarily, but not exclusively, contains as a minimum structural requirement a material by which to frame the tritium vial(s) (23) (as an example of an illuminating material (24)). This ICSI-frame (25) must keep the tritium vial (23) secure and immovable, irrespective of the motion of the overall ICSI-frame (25) itself The tritium vial(s) (23) contained within the ICSI-frame (25) must be allowed to be viewable from a desired angle. Installation parameters of the ICSI (8) component will define the angle and appropriate amount of exposure the tritium vial (23) will have from within the ICSI-frame (25). The material of the ICSI-frame (25) itself will most likely be composed of some form of metal, with the durability and hardness similar to other metal components within the overall firearm.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 9, the ICSI (8) must actuate/move, (becoming visible and non-visible), by reacting to the loaded or unloaded condition of the barrel's chamber (9). The ICSI (8), to complete this task must be partially located in the chamber (9), as well having the ability of protruding out from the chamber top wall (16) or the chamber sidewall (17). The ICSI (8) must then by definition be able to make contact with a cartridge (2) introduced into the chamber (9), yet not obstruct its path toward correct seating within the chamber (9). The ICSI (8) in fact will; react, actuate, and function within the thickness of the chamber sidewalls (17). The ICSI (8) will have presence within the chamber-cartridge space (26), within the chamber sidewalls (17), and just outside the surface of the chamber sidewalls (17). The ICSI (8) must have as a required structural component of movement a subcomponent that both prohibits and allows movement in the appropriate direction. A chamber (9) loaded with a live cartridge (2) would necessitate that the ICSI (8) moves outward protruding to the chamber top wall (16) or chamber sidewall (17) as a result of the ICSI's (8) interaction with specifically the case (3) of the cartridge (2). The ICSI's (8) protruding structure would then display the tritium vial (23) to the firearm's operator revealing the status of the chamber (9).

ICSI mechanism(s) of movement, specific device examples including an ICSI moveable frame. Now referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, the ICSI (8) could use any of those following device(s) as a subcomponent(s) individually or in tandem to facilitate movement in and around the chamber:

-   -   a fulcrum whereby the entire ICSI-frame (25) pivots in and about         the chamber sidewall (17) from the pivot point (27) of a         roll-pin (28) attaching to the ICSI-frame (25) as well as the         chamber (9) itself, using spring tension to counterbalance         movement facilitated by cartridge (2) insertion into the chamber         (9). As a first example, the pivot-point (27) configuration         shown in FIG. 9. As a second example 2, the self-revealing         configuration shown in FIG. 10.     -   compressed spring(s) held in place via mounting tension of the         ICSI-frame (25) and mounting grooves in the chamber sidewalls         (17). Essentially the ICSI-frame (25) is suspended via         spring(s). Springs would compress reacting to pressure being         facilitated by the insertion of cartridges (2) and ejecting of         empty shell cases (3). The ICSI-frame (25) would move from a         state of protrusion from the outer chamber sidewall (17)         (loaded), to a state of flush with outer chamber sidewall (17)         (unloaded). Conversely, when the chamber (9) was in an unloaded         state, the ICSI-frame (25) would protrude into the chamber space         area (26), since no cartridge (2) would be applying upward or         outward force to it.

ICSI mechanism(s) of movement, specific examples including an ICSI non-moveable frame. Now referring primarily to 10, the ICSI (8) could also use assisted articulation requiring the entire ICSI-frame (25) containing the tritium vial(s) (23) to remain immoveable, embedded at the appropriate location on a chamber sidewall (17). ICSI (8) visibility would be controlled by a covering component (31) whose function it is to move over the visible area containing the tritium vial (23). This covering component (31) would slide back and forth in such a way as to expose or hide the tritium vial (23), depending on this mechanisms interaction with the cartridge (2). A cartridge (2) inserted into the chamber (9) actuates the covering component (31) to slide in a manner which reveals the tritium vial (23). When the condition of the chamber (9) is empty, the covering component (31) returns to its default position of covering the tritium vial (23).

ICSI non-moveable frame with meaning of visible tritium vials reversed. Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, the ICSI (8) could also be embedded into internal chamber sidewall (32). For example, the ICSI-frame (25) can be embedded horizontally directly into the left inner chamber sidewall (33) (sidewall opposite the chamber sidewall (17) closest to breech), when the barrel opening (10) is facing away from operator. Right hand chamber sidewall (18) contains a horizontal opening (35), (exact dimensions dependent upon; firearm type, cartridge caliber, chamber size et. al.), at least the same length as the ICSI-frame (25) or tritium vial (23) alone contained within the left inner chamber sidewall (33). The placement of the ICSI (8) into the left inner chamber sidewall (33) is in alignment with the opening (35) on the right hand chamber sidewall (18). Right hand chamber sidewall (18) opening (35) allows visibility through the right hand chamber sidewall (18) across the empty chamber cartridge space (26) to the left inner chamber sidewall (33). ICSI (8) visibility is obtained by operator looking through right hand chamber sidewall (18) opening (35). When the ICSI (8) is visible, no cartridge (2) exists in the chamber (9), signifying an unloaded firearm. Conversely, when the ICSI (8) is not visible, a cartridge (2) exists in the chamber (9), signifying a loaded firearm (1).

ICSI case scenarios of the technology applied to the bolt (breech)/slide—overview. The cases below are not an all-inclusive list of the many ways in which the ICSI (8) invention could be applied to a firearm bolt (11) (breech). They are instead meant to be representative of the most direct way to make use of ICSI (8) technology in modern firearms (1) designs. The example below will use the bolt (11) (breech) of a handgun for demonstrative purposes. The bolt (11) (breech), in the handgun category of firearms (1) is referred to as the slide (21). These terms, bolt (11) (breech) and slide (21), will be used interchangeably in the following examples.

Illuminated Chamber Status Indicator (ICSI) vs. Chamber Loaded Indicator. In this section of the summary ‘only’, when referring to the preexisting older, “state of chamber technology”, that is non-illuminated (that which is not the ICSI (8)) will be referred to as a chamber loaded indicator (14) for clear delineation apparent in the following sections entitled:

-   -   ICSI main structural differences to the Chamber Loaded         Indicator;     -   ICSI bolt (breech)/slide integration with chamber loaded         indicator technology;     -   Slide mounted chamber loaded indicator—mechanics of operation;     -   ICSI integration specifics—slide mounted chamber loaded         indicator.

ICSI main structural differences to the Chamber Loaded Indicator. Both devices indicate the presence of a cartridge (2) in the chamber (9). However, the chamber loaded indicators (14) currently being installed into firearms (1) are:

-   -   made from a solid piece of metal;     -   spring or other tensioning device providing opposite force to         rim (13);     -   a single component.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11, by way of contrast, the ICSI (8) is (prior to installation):

-   -   an ICSI-frame (25) of either of the following:         -   metal—type dependent upon install destination; or         -   high impact polymer (e.g. Nylon 6);     -   gaseous tritium light source (“GTLS”) (36) or other         self-illuminating substance;     -   containment vial (37) for GTLS (36) (e.g. glass, acrylic,         transparent polymer);     -   NOA61 optical adhesive base (install destination dependent);     -   Spring or other tensioning device providing opposite force to         rim (13);     -   considered an assembly or mechanism.

ICSI bolt (breech)/slide integration—with chamber loaded indicator technology. Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, which shows ICSI (8) integration of a handgun with an existing chamber loaded indicator (14). Currently not all bolt (11) (breech)/slides (21) of all type of firearms (1) contain a chamber loaded indicator (14). The component called a chamber loaded indicator is utilized exclusively in the handgun category of firearms. Illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI) (8) technology can be integrated into non-illuminated chamber loaded indicator (14) components that are currently mounted to the slides (21) of some handguns.

Slide mounted chamber loaded indicator—mechanics of operation. Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, the slide (21) mounted chamber loaded indicator (14) resides along the top of the slide (21) in modern semi-automatic handguns. It could also be located in different areas on the slide (21), depending on its proximity to the barrel chamber (9). It is typically located on the breech face opening (38) of the slide (21) where the rear most part of the barrel chamber (9) makes contact. This rear most portion of the barrel chamber (9) is referred to as the barrel-hood (39). It is necessary for the slide (21) mounted chamber loaded indicator (14) to have access to the rim (13) of the cartridge (2) as it is loaded into the chamber (9). It does not attach to the barrel (10) in any way. The component itself therefore overlaps into the barrel-hood (39). It must do so in order to latch onto the rim (13) and protrude (signaling a chamber loaded state) from a near-flush position on the slide (21) and overlap.

ICSI integration specifics—slide mounted chamber loaded indicator. Now referring primarily to FIG. 13, the main component of ICSI (8) technology is the use of gaseous tritium light sources (GTLS) (36). ICSI (8) technology makes use of GTLS (36) material within an ICSI-frame (25). A first integration method integrates GTLS (36) into an existing slide (21) mounted chamber loaded indicator (14) component. This can in effect create the ICSI (8). This integration can only be accomplished if the existing slide (21) mounted chamber loaded indicator (14) component's physical dimensions allow for modification(s), and acceptance of the GTLS (36) within those newly modified dimensions.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 13, a second integration method is to create a new illuminated chamber status indicator assembly for handguns with pre-existing chamber loaded indicators. The ICSI (8) assembly could have the same external dimensions of the original chamber loaded indicator (14) component and therefore be a direct replacement.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 13, a third integration method applies to all other categories of firearms (1) that are currently without a chamber loaded indicator, would require a completely newly designed ICSI assembly or mechanism(s), in order to function as an illuminated chamber status indicator.

ICSI integration overview—combination extractor and chamber loaded indicator. Now referring primarily to FIGS. 14 and 15, the cases below are not an all-inclusive list of the many ways in which the ICSI (8) invention could be applied to a firearm (1) combination extractor/chamber loaded indicator (40) component. Henceforth, reference to the combination extractor/chamber loaded indicator component will be referred to as the extractor-CLI (40). The following example(s) are instead meant to be representative of the most direct way to make use of ICSI (8) technology in modern firearms (1) designs. The extractor-CLI (40) is mainly a component used in the handgun category of modern firearms (1). However, the extractor-CLI (40) component is not restricted to use solely in handguns, and can easily be applied to all other categories of firearms (1). The exception to this is the revolver class of handguns, as this type of firearm (1) does not have an exposed extractor (12) component. The example(s) below will use the extractor-CLI (40) of a semi-automatic handgun for demonstrative purposes. The extractor-CLI (40) component on a semi-automatic handgun is exposed and can be integrated with the ICSI (8) assembly. The extractor-CLI component on a semi-automatic handgun could also be entirely replaced with an ICSI extractor assembly.

Extractor-CLI component structural specifics. Now referring primarily to FIG. 14, the extractor-CLI (40) components currently being installed into firearms (1) (handguns) are:

-   -   made from a solid piece of metal;     -   primary function is to be an extractor component;     -   CLI functionality via addition of uniquely shaped metal;     -   a single component.

ICSI integration—with extractor CLI component. Now referring primarily to FIG. 15, this example describes ICSI (8) integration into a handgun with an existing extractor-CLI (40) component. Currently not all handgun extractors (12) contain an integrated chamber loaded indicator (14). Specifically, most firearms extractors (12) are not in extractor-CLI (40) form.

Illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI) (8) technology can be integrated into extractor-CLI (40) components that are currently installed in some handguns. It can also be integrated into the majority of other firearms (1) with intent to modify their existing extractor (12) component into an extractor-CLI (40) component, since extractor (12) components across all firearms types are extremely similar.

Extractor-CLI component - mechanics of operation. The extractor-CLI (40) component resides as a free-floating component within the slide (21) in modern semi-automatic handguns. Different styles of handguns have it located in different areas on the slide (21); however its close proximity to the barrel chamber (9) is always required. The extractor-CLI (40) component is typically located adjacent the breech face opening (38) of the slide (21) where the rear most part of the barrel chamber (9) makes contact. It is necessary for the extractor-CLI (40) component to have access to the rim (13) of the cartridge (2) as it is loaded into the chamber (9). It must have this contact with the cartridge (2) in order to both function as an extractor (12), as well as a chamber loaded indicator (14). The extractor-CLI (40) component must latch onto the rim (13) of the cartridge (2) and protrude, (signaling a chamber loaded state), from a flush to countersunk position on the slide (21). The extractor-CLI (40) component does not attach to the barrel (10) in any way. The extractor-CLI (40) component does not overlap into the barrel chamber (9).

ICSI integration specifics—with extractor-CLI component. One main component of the ICSI (8) assembly is the use of GTLS (36). The ICSI (8) assembly makes use of GTLS (36) material within the ICSI-frame (25). As to particular embodiments the GTLS (36) can be integrated into an existing extractor-CLI (40) component. This can in effect create an illuminated chamber status indicator (ICSI) (8) assembly. This integration can only be accomplished if the existing extractor-CLI (40) component's physical dimensions allow for modification(s), and acceptance of the GTLS (36) within those newly modified dimensions. As to other embodiments, the ICSI (8) assembly can create a new illuminated chamber status indicator (14) assembly for handguns with pre-existing extractor-CLI (40) components. The ICSI (8) assembly could have the same external dimensions of the original extractor-CLI (40) component and therefore be a direct replacement.

Revolver—modem structural overview. A Revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder assembly containing multiple chambers (9). It works by having this cylindrical assembly that are brought in alignment with the firing mechanism and barrel (10) one at a time.

Revolver—ICSI structural integration challenges. The ICSI (8) assembly cannot be integrated into the revolver in the same manner as the semi-automatic handgun. This is due to the physical absence of some components, assemblies and/or mechanism(s), which are present in semi-automatics as well as different structural operating dynamics.

Revolver—ICSI list of integration challenges. Here is a list of specific structural integration challenges to the revolver class of handgun:

-   -   lack of an external free-floating extractor;     -   lack of existing excess extractor material with which to make         modifications;     -   an extractor which cannot be visually observed from the exterior         of the firearm;     -   an extractor that is one component comprised of many replicated         extractor points;     -   an extractor mechanism in a wheel-shape design, that functions         with rotary movement, even when not extracting;     -   an extractor mechanism that does not immediately remove a spent         shell casing from the chamber, before firing the next cartridge;     -   a chamber that functions using rotary movement during its         actuation;     -   a chamber that moves to another physical location about the         handgun itself, after each actuation;     -   a chamber that moves out of visual line of sight with each         actuation;     -   a cylinder assembly that contains multiple chambers.

Revolver—ICSI integration into cylinder. The ICSI (8) assembly can be integrated into the cylinder assembly of the revolver. This integration method would require the entire ICSI (8) and ICSI-frame (25) containing the tritium vial(s) (23) to remain immoveable, embedded at the appropriate location on a chamber sidewall (17) surface. ICSI (8) visibility would be controlled by a covering component (31) whose function it is to move over the visible area containing the tritium vial(s) (23). This covering component (31) would slide back and forth in such a way as to expose or hide the tritium vial(s) (23), depending on this mechanisms interaction with the cartridge (2). A cartridge (2) inserted into the chamber actuates the covering component (31) to slide in a manner which reveals the tritium vial(s) (23). When the condition of the chamber (9) is empty, the covering component (31) returns to its default position of covering the tritium vial (23).

Advantages—the following are only a list of additional advantages of ICSI technology. The following are only some of the advantages of the ICSI technology. ICSI (8) technology is designed to be, and can be applied universally to all makes and models of firearms (1). This encompasses handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Although these categories of firearms fulfill very different roles as well as have different external structures, they also share much of the same design of internal components.

This shared commonality will allow for the following advantages:

-   -   Ease of introduction and acceptability into the firearms market;     -   Ease of adaptability into existing firearms designs;     -   Ease of suitability across multiple firearms categories;     -   Ease of installation by even the firearms operator in some cases         (see Glock);     -   Ease of troubleshooting if ICSI mechanism were to fail. 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A chamber status indicator for a firearm, said chamber status indicator comprising a self-illuminating substance, wherein light emitted by said self-illuminating substance is visible only when a cartridge is loaded in the chamber of said firearm.
 12. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is mounted in a mechanical chamber status indicator.
 13. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is mounted in a wall of said chamber.
 14. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is mounted in a cartridge extractor.
 15. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is affixed to a bolt, breech or slide of said firearm.
 16. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is integrated into a bolt, breech or slide of said firearm.
 17. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance is integrated into a cylinder containing multiple chambers.
 18. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance comprises a gaseous tritium light source.
 19. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein the self-illuminating substance comprises a self-illuminating paint.
 20. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein said firearm is a handgun.
 21. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein said firearm is a rifle.
 22. The chamber status indicator of claim 11, wherein said firearm is a shotgun.
 23. A method for indicating chamber status in a firearm, the method comprising: affixing a self-illuminating substance to a component of the firearm such that light emitted by said self-illuminating substance is visible only when a cartridge is loaded in the chamber of said firearm.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is affixed to a mechanical chamber status indicator.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is affixed to a wall of said chamber.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is affixed to a cartridge extractor.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is affixed to a bolt, breech or slide of said firearm.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is integrated into a bolt, breech or slide of said firearm.
 29. The method of claim 23, wherein the self-illuminating substance is integrated into a cylinder containing multiple chambers. 